Industry News

On behalf of Beechwood Sales and Service and Anheuser-Busch we have made a $5,000 donation today to the C.H.E.E.R.S. Wisconsin Relief Fund. Our thoughts are with the members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin during this unprecedented time. This pandemic has had an adverse effect on all of our businesses and we hope that this donation and others will help members “bridge the gap” until the day they can reopen their doors. We look forward to once again seeing our friends who work in the taverns and restaurants in Wisconsin.

Fighting to Keep Their Doors Open, Local Bars & Taverns Need Support Now More Than Ever

Source: ABL

May 3, 2020

Each year, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) reminds everyone that "May is Tavern Month" and encourages Americans to celebrate their local bars and taverns by stopping in and supporting these small businesses.

Paycheck Protection Program recipients calculating loan-forgiveness reductions do not have to factor in laid-off employees who decline a good faith, written offer to be rehired for the same job, pay and hours. Employees who refuse to be rehired might forfeit continued eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Today, the Tavern League of Wisconsin submitted an amicus brief with the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the ongoing lawsuit between the Wisconsin Legislature and the Department of Health Services Secretary. Our hope is to be able to open safely and responsibly before the current Order expires on May 26th. Many states have already begun to safely open taverns and restaurants. Our members will have been closed for 70 days through the current Order, some have gone out of business. Many businesses are open and operating safely today. Our Reopen Wisconsin – Safe at Work plan is a responsible plan to protect the public while safely opening our businesses.

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Safer at Home order extension means bars, restaurants, and many other businesses that are already struggling will be closed for a month longer.

"It certainly has had a major impact," said Nancy Bush, the Executive Director for the Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District.

She says about 50 to 60 percent of their businesses are temporarily closed right now. She worries what the extension will mean for them.

"The smaller businesses, the family-owned or one owner type of business, ya know my concern is whether they will be able to return full service or the level of business they had once they are able to reopen," said Bush.

"I think for the most we want to make sure we are doing things that are providing a safe environment for our customers, our employees, and we think we can do that. Other businesses are effectively doing that today and there haven't been any problems," said Scott Stenger, spokesperson for the Tavern League of Wisconsin.

The Tavern League of Wisconsin wants to thank Society Insurance for its’ $10,000 donation to our CHEERS fund. Society has been a longtime Corporate Sponsor at the Silver Level and has supported the TLW members through program discounts and participation at our trade shows. Thank you for your generous donation.

RHINELANDER - Gov. Evers recently added an extension to his 'Safer At Home Order' which has some restaurant owners to worry about their futures.

"No we're not gonna make it through and we have lost members, and we need to find a solution to bridge the gap between now and getting back to normal," said Wisconsin Tavern League Spokesperson Scott Stenger.

Restaurants and even bars are restricted to carry-out and delivery, which some say is not enough.

"It's not working, it's not working to-go is essentially a one night proposition, Friday night is the night we get business," said Stenger.

The presidents of the tavern leagues of Jefferson and Dodge counties said Monday their organizations are on board with the Tavern League of Wisconsin’s proposal to have bars and restaurants reopening—in limited fashion—by May 1.

The state tavern league is calling on Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers to allow bars and restaurants to resume more regular business on that date. This would be more than three weeks ahead of the end of the current stay-at-home order that has forced the closure of most nonessential businesses.

MADISON (WKOW) -- The push to reopen the state is gaining momentum as hundreds carry out protests across Wisconsin urging Governor Tony Evers to reconsider extending his safer at home order.

The order is in effect until May 26, but bars and restaurants believe they can open their doors by taking safety measures to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

President of the Tavern League of Wisconsin Chris Marsicano sent a letter to the governor outlining their safety precautions to reopen safely on May 1, claiming it would protect employees and customers.

The Tavern League of Wisconsin and its members would like to thank S&S Distributing out of Sparta for their generous donation of $10,000 to our CHEERS fund. S&S has been a long time partner and supporter of the TLW and this donation will certainly help our efforts to build funding for CHEERS. S&S understands these are difficult times for the On Premise industry and that our success is their success.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is now taking applications from self-employed people and small businesses.

Self-employed people are not usually eligible for unemployment payments, as they do not pay for unemployment insurance for themselves through payroll contributions. In this special circumstance, the federal CARES Act provides for unemployment payments during the Covid crisis.

While the reopening of the on-premise - nay, The Country - is still largely theoretical, at least now we have a faint blueprint.

President Trump used his ongoing evening press conference stage last night to articulate a plan to reopen the country. There are no hard and fast start dates, and directives are to be considered on a local basis, by local authorities (you can see the full slideshow on whitehouse.gov.

The Tavern League of Wisconsin would like to recognize NEW GLARUS BREWERY and owner Deb Carey for their generous donation of $10,000 to the TLW’s CHEERS fund. Contributions like this are very important to the growth of this fund that will be shared by TLW members. Thanks again to NEW GLARUS BREWERY!

Money raised through CHEERS will be divided equally among Tavern League members. If you care to learn more or would like to contribute please go to www.tlw.org/cheers

Please see the email below that went out to all state legislators this morning.

Dear Legislator:

There has to be a better way to wage the war against Covid 19 than bankrupting my business, destroying my livelihood and having to fire my employees. I will have been closed to regular business for 70 days on May 26th. Not surprisingly, I cannot survive under these conditions – very few of us can.

The State Senate unanimously approved the Covid 19 bill and Governor Evers is expected to sign it today or tomorrow. The bill enables Wisconsin to qualify for additional federal dollars and makes the following changes of interest to the TLW:

The Tavern League of Wisconsin is excited to announce a donation of $100,000 by Badger Liquor Inc. to our CHEERS fund. CHEERS (Communities Helping Empower Employees to Remain Successful) was created to give TLW members financial support to help overcome financial hardships created by the COVID virus. Badger Liquor owner Gary Sadoff stated” the On-Premise segment plays a vital role in the success of Badger Liquor and we want to help these small businesses through these difficult times”.

In the last month you have had to make very difficult decisions to keep us all safe from the coronavirus pandemic. Your Safer at Home Order issued on March 24th has helped to keep us safe and flatten the curve. Taverns and restaurants have been effectively shut down since the March 17th Executive Order. While we understand the need for the Executive Orders they have caused severe economic hardship to the hospitality industry. Supper clubs, taverns and restaurants will have been closed to regular business for 38 days when the Safer at Home Order expires on April 24th.

We have received a lot of questions regarding the recently passed Paycheck Protection Act. We hope this will help to answer some of the questions you may have about this new Program. Please contact an SBA approved local financial institution to help craft a forgivable loan that works for you and your business.

With COVID-19 spreading rapidly, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued an executive order on March 17th forcing restaurants and bars across the state to close their doors. As a result, restaurant and bar owners are losing income and incurring additional expenses because of the coronavirus pandemic. These major disruptions will likely cause an increase in insurance claims by tavern owners against insurance policies offering business interruption coverage. Whether the claims are covered will depend on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy and the circumstances of the loss.

The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is imparting an unprecedented burden on businesses, municipalities, schools and individuals around the globe. Restaurants are being forced to close or operate in a limited capacity, supply chains are extensively disrupted and impeding manufacturers, commercial tenants are at risk due to potential revenue shortfalls, and health care institutions are overwhelmed with patients in many regions. The impact multiplies by the hour. While there are many questions arising that are industry-specific, there are also a variety of foundational matters for all entities to review, consider and employ.

Davis|Kuelthau has organized a multidisciplinary team to monitor and address the vast range of litigation, regulatory and transactional challenges faced by companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. We are regularly issuing guidance and have begun assembling a summary of some of the many local, state and federal resources available to help businesses with their pandemic preparedness and response efforts. Our team will continue to develop, update and share guidance directly as well as via this resource site in the days ahead. Please consider the fluid nature of the situation and that all information shared is thus current as of the date that it was posted. It is important to also consult federal, state, county and city health agency websites regularly.

Late last night the US Senate unanimously passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Stimulus package. The bill now goes to the House where they are expected to approve it Friday. The bill provides much needed relief for our Members.

Governor Evers issued an Executive Order requiring all non-essential businesses to close. The order takes effect 8.00 am March 25th through April 24th or until the Governor lifts the order. The new order allows taverns/restaurants to continue to offer food to be delivered or picked up. The new order also allows a tavern without a food license to sell liquor to go in the original unopened package. It is not legal to sell individual drinks to go like an old fashioned or margarita. Below is the language directly from the Governor’s order in addition to a link to the entire Executive Order.

State Regulators waive consignment law to allow wholesalers to pick up product. The TTB was first to issue the directive and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue followed the TTB directive. It is legal for wholesalers to pick up beer during the Covid-19 crisis. Wholesalers are not required to pick it up but the law now does not prohibit them from picking up product.

On March 18, there was a new law passed called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). This Act has several impacts on employers. We have highlighted two majors changes that impact employers in the short term. The first is new legislation in relation to paid leave and the second is penalty and interest waiver on federal income tax. We are expecting more legislation and clarifications in the near future.

An important reminder regarding the law as it relates to sale of
alcohol during the Executive Order. Alcohol can only be sold for consumption
off the premise in the original unopened container. It is not legal to sell
mixed drinks to go. Under the Executive Order it is not legal to consume any
alcohol on a licensed premise. You can sell beer or alcohol to go but it must
be in its original unopened container. That was the law prior to the Executive
Order and it remains the law during the Executive Order. Thank you.

Tavern League of Wisconsin is gathering information from TLW Members statewide to share with the public. We would like to provide who is using delivery, curbside or to-go service in the next few weeks in response to the limitations and suggestions that are in place as a result of COVID-19. Please provide us with the information below so that we may share with the public.

A note to those looking for financial assistance during these
difficult times. If your employer must shut down operations and no work is
available, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you meet certain
criteria. In addition, individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, are
showing symptoms for COVID-19, or has been quarantined by a medical
professional may be available for temporary assistance.

Governor Evers has announced that the State Department of Health Services has established a moratorium on public or private mass gatherings of 10 people or more beginning at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17th. Restaurants and bars must close dining facilities. Carry out and delivery food is permitted as well as alcohol sales for consumption off the premise as long as the sale occurs on the premise.

We have had a number of questions about the laws regarding the sale of alcohol for off premise consumption from taverns and restaurants. Below is the state law which does permit Class B licensee holders to sell alcohol for off premise consumption.

Governor Evers, similar to the previously
issued CDC recommendation, announced that the State Department of Health
Services has established a statewide moratorium on mass gatherings to mitigate
the spread of COVID-19. Bars and restaurants can stay open but must follow the
requirements below. The order starts March 17th and there is currently no
end date to the order. Bars and restaurants must comply with this DHS order.
Please visit the TLW website for signage and additional information.

Foremost in our minds and hearts at FundCrazr is the continued health and wellbeing of our clients, friends and families.

Wishing the very best for your entire organization, this COVID-19 catastrophe is not just unthinkably scary, but unprecedented.

Basketball Crazr to still be held! March Madness Men's Basketball Tournament has been cancelled but the Crazr Fundraiser will still go on. Fund Crazr will be running a simulated Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament using data taken from games played during the 2019-2020 regular season. Please click here for more information on the event!

MILWAUKEE (March 12, 2020) – As of Friday, March 13th, Lakefront Brewery will be closing to the public due to the national outbreak of COVID-19. Lakefront’s Beer Hall, Restaurant, Tours and special events will cease operations until further notice.

Legislative Day a Great Success – Senate Committee votes in
favor of SafeRide increase!!!

AB 869 passed out of committee on unanimous vote!!

Earlier today the Senate Committee on Economic Development held a hearing on AB 869 which increases the SafeRide surcharge by $25 which will generate approximately $500,000 additional revenue for SafeRide Programs.

The Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit is conducting another sale of confiscated liquor and wine. DOR is aurthorized to sell the confiscated product to the highest bidder pursuant to sec. 125.14(2)(e). Wis. Stats. Attaches is informatino regarding an invitation to bid on a Department of Revenue sale of confiscated wine.

By an 84-13 vote, legislators passed a bill to increase SafeRide funding by increasing the SafeRide surcharge 50% as they concluded the 2020 legislative session in the early morning hours on Friday. The increase in the surcharge comes from OWI convictions and does not use any state tax dollars.

Moderate alcohol consumption is suffering increasing attacks—from both a traffic safety and health perspective. If left uncontested, the growing anti-alcohol narrative will have a chilling effect on American consumers...

Gov. Tony Evers appeared hesitant to sign a mandatory five year sentence bill for homicides committed while driving under the influence but said the state needs to “beef up” law for first time offenses...

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is working to strengthen our communication with the alcohol beverage industry. We are excited to introduce "DOR on Tap: An Alcohol Industry Update." Published quarterly, it will provide a report of the activity of the Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit here at the department.

Cap Times reporter Katelyn Ferral joins host Lindsay Christians on the podcast this week to talk about her recent story, "Who's calling the shots? Tavern owners want more regulation from the state in an increasingly competitive market."

Liquor store giant Total Wine & More got a total win in Wisconsin on Monday, with the signing of a bill that will allow some liquor stores to sell unlimited quantities of whiskey, gin, brandy and other distilled spirits during a single transaction.

Big beer has an enormous footprint. We charted data from 1950 to the present to determine the largest brewers by decade, using figures from Beer Marketer’s Insights and BeerHistory.com. The results are staggering.

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah -- In a conference room at the Unified Police Department, FOX 13
put Utah's new .05 DUI law to the test.

When it goes into effect on New Year's Eve, Utah will have the nation's toughest DUI law,
lowering the blood alcohol level from .08 to .05. It's been the subject of protests and pushback
across the state, with worries it will harm tourism and jail casual drinkers. But so far, efforts to
repeal it or modify it have failed on Utah's Capitol Hill.

This bill creates a distillpub permit issued by the Department of Revenue that authorizes the manufacture, rectification, and sale of intoxicating liquor other than wine (distilled spirits). The bill authorizes certain retail interests and activities of distillpubs and, if a person holds both a distillpub permit and brewpub permit, modifies the permissible retail interests for the brewpub.

The WisCraft brewers,
state wineries and craft distillers have all indicated their support for
the bill which is somewhat perplexing given that Wisconsin taverns are selling their products
helping to contribute to their success.
Despite our strong relationship with these craft
manufacturers they have decided to support a bill which will decimate the very businesses
selling their products today.

BETHESDA, MD – OCTOBER 23, 2018 – As the American economy continues to grow, a new
economic impact report released today details the significant impact that America’s beer, wine
and spirits retailers have on their local, state and national economies through job creation,
direct economic impact and the generation of tax revenues.

A Utah Jazz fan drinks a beer while watching a game at Legend Sports Grill in Salt Lake City last year. A new Utah law, which goes into effect Dec. 30, lowers the DUI blood alcohol threshold in the state from .08 to .05, a move that has been praised by traffic safety advocates and denounced by the restaurant and hospitality industry.

On behalf of the independent craft breweries of Wisconsin, we'd like to thank the retail partners who join craft breweries to contribute over $2 billion to Wisconsin's economy. Your commitment to quality Wisconsin products is not only vital to our state's economic prosperity, it is essential to our mutual success. We look forward to growing with you, creating more employment opportunities, and keeping our ties to local communities strong.

While trying to derail tax reform, there’s been no shortage of misleading statements and outright falsehoods. But a recent article in the Washington Post might be the most outrageous story to date. The article, titled “Here’s how many people would die as a result of the Senate’s tax cut on booze,” goes after a provision in the Senate bill that would reform excise taxes for brewers, distillers, and winemakers .

Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating a bill that would lower the drinking age in Wisconsin to 19. Mothers Against Drunk Driving quickly responded to the bill with strong opposition."We don't support anything that has any kind of acceptable loss of life, " Doug Scoles, Regional Director for MADD told NBC15 over the phone.